Sara Watkins releases “Young in All the Wrong Ways” on New West Records

It is self-described as a “breakup album with myself,” writing and recording these 10 intensely soul-baring songs was a means for her to process and mark the last couple years, which have been transformative. A record about turning the page and taking the reins, in both her career and personal life, these intimate sentiments are paired with audacious musical jumps that push against expectations in unexpected ways. These songs contain some of the heaviest moments of her career, with eruptions of thrumming B3 organ and jagged electric guitar. But it’s also quiet, vulnerable, tenderhearted. “I looked around and realized that in many ways I wasn’t who or where I wanted to be,” reveals the accomplished musician who has been playing professionally since the age of eight. “It’s been a process of letting go and leaving behind patterns and relationships and in some cases how I’ve considered myself. What these songs are documenting is the turmoil you feel when you know something has to change and you’re grappling with what that means. It means you’re losing something and moving forward into the unknown.”

“Move Me” is the emotionally charged first single. The song is described as starting as a “gentle country-pop arrangement” that builds to “full-on, hair-flinging ’90s-goddess rock.” Directed by director/photographer Allister Ann (The Civil Wars), the video features Watkins at a dining table with her perfect mid-century American family having Sunday brunch. As she intensely sings about wanting to be “moved,” as day-glo gelatin “salads” and a cornucopia of ’50s and ’60s dishes are passed around, the others at the table are oblivious to her as if she’s not even there. “This song came out of feelings of frustration with some relationships that had gotten stale or outdated,” Watkins reveals. “Sometimes with old acquaintances and friends, and even family we keep conversation to the surface for fear of rocking a boat. But in order for forward motion, sometimes there has to be disruption.”

“Young In All The Wrong Ways” was the first song that Watkins wrote for the record and it set the tone for the rest of the album. “I looked around and realized that in many ways I wasn’t who or where I wanted to be,” reveals the accomplished musician who started her career in the late ‘80s. “It’s been a process of letting go and leaving behind patterns and relationships and in some cases how I’ve considered myself. What these songs are documenting is the turmoil you feel when you know something has to change and you’re grappling with what that means. It means you’re losing something and moving forward into the unknown.”